Survivor: Bobby Charlton lies in a hospital bed after the tragic accident

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Munich air disaster which claimed 23 lives and tore apart Manchester United’s famous Busby Babes when a plane taking the team back from a European tie in Belgrade crashed on the runway after a refueling stop in Germany.

It is a tragedy that has unified football and two of United’s fiercest rivals have paid their respects.

Liverpool FC’s official twitter site sent a message of solidarity to those affected at Old Trafford. It read: ‘The thoughts of all at #LFC are with families of the victims of 1958 Munich air disaster. Some things are more important than football.’

Tribute: Liverpool FC used this poster on their Facebook page today to show their support

The Reds also placed a poster on their Facebook page, with the clear message – ‘We All Remember. #LFC #MUFC. You’ll Never Walk Alone.’

And neighbours Manchester City, whose former keeper Frank Swift was also killed in the accident, followed suit, tweeting: ‘Today we stand together and remember City goalkeeper Frank Swift and all the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster, never forgotten.’

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez marked the anniversary with his own message of remembrance. ‘RIP all those who lost their lives in the Munich disaster.#RIPBusbyBabes,’ he tweeted.

Roy Hodgson’s England side will wear black arm-bands for tonight’s friendly with Brazil in memory of the 23 victims and there will be a minute’s silence before the match.